Council on American-Islamic Relations spokesman Ibrahim Hooper tells The Tennessean the speakers were a "who's who of Islamophobes," including Bill French, under pen name Bill Warner, Cathy Hinners and John Guandolo.

Trevecca spokeswoman Mandy Crow told the newspaper the event appears to have an agenda beyond a political campaign, and would distract from Trevecca's commitment to community building, education and support of diverse enrollment at the Christian school.

Beavers said Trevecca "abandoned Biblical principles in order embrace political correctness." Beavers, one of five major Republicans and two Democrats running for governor, attended Trevecca.